Baked Tuna And Macaroni With Mushroom Sauce
A comforting baked tuna and macaroni casserole with creamy mushroom sauce, perfect for family dinners and those craving hearty, savory flavors with a cheesy topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place macaroni in 5 quarts of boiling salted water and cook until tender.
- Combine condensed cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and milk; heat and blend until smooth, then season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Drain the cooked macaroni and place it in a greased casserole dish.
- Add drained tuna chunks to the casserole.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the macaroni and tuna.
- Top with bread crumbs and dot with butter.
- Bake in a 450°F oven until the top is lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, you can use half-and-half instead of milk. If you prefer a healthier option, substitute whole wheat elbow macaroni and low-sodium soups. Adding sautéed onions or garlic can enhance the flavor. If you want to get creative, consider incorporating vegetables like peas or spinach, which would complement this dish well, similar to the flavors found in Tuna Puff.
Serving Suggestions
This Baked Tuna and Macaroni pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For an extra crunch, consider serving it with garlic bread or a side of roasted asparagus. It also makes a comforting dish for potlucks or family gatherings, much like the comforting flavors found in American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat on medium power until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can bake it at 350°F until heated, which helps maintain the texture of the macaroni.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Tuna And Macaroni With Mushroom Sauce contains roughly 1060 calories, with 39g protein, 129g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (78% of the Daily Value), iron (56% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1336mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?
Yes, you can use fresh tuna. Cook it beforehand by grilling or searing it until just cooked through, then flake it into the dish. This will give a fresher flavor compared to canned tuna.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can use homemade béchamel sauce or a can of cream of celery soup. Both options will provide a similar creamy texture and flavor profile to the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).